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Environmentalists Say Armenia’s Government Wasn’t Ready for Wildfireshttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/environmentalists-say-armenias-government-wasnt-ready-for-wildfires-23424/
Levon says the main problem is the unpreparedness of Armenia’s government. It’s not about having or not having a firefighter plane, but rather about...Levon says the main problem is the unpreparedness of Armenia’s government. It’s not about having or not having a firefighter plane, but rather about assessing the situation - what steps you take, what methods you use.

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]]>2017-08-17T14:04:22ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsMinistry Claims 85% of Khosrov Wildfire Extinguishedhttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/ministry-claims-85-of-khosrov-wildfire-extinguished-23423/
The ministry says that a Russian water tanker plane continues to make flights over the affected area.
More... (http://hetq.am/eng/news/81312/)The ministry says that a Russian water tanker plane continues to make flights over the affected area.

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]]>2017-08-17T14:04:22ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsArmenia’s Verin Khotanan Village: Getting Older and Emptierhttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/armenias-verin-khotanan-village-getting-older-and-emptier-23422/
Verin Khotanan is a village in Armenia’s southern Syunik Province. More than half the population is older than 70.
More......Verin Khotanan is a village in Armenia’s southern Syunik Province. More than half the population is older than 70.

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]]>2017-08-17T14:04:22ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticshttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/riding-the-kiddy-train-a-big-deal-for-village-children-23421/
Children rush out from courtyards large and small to see what’s going on. Within a few minutes the streets are full of noise and commotion, the...Children rush out from courtyards large and small to see what’s going on. Within a few minutes the streets are full of noise and commotion, the complete opposite of the silence that previously reigned.

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]]>2017-08-17T14:04:22ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsIsrael Detains Billionaire Beny Steinmetz in Money Laundering Probehttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/israel-detains-billionaire-beny-steinmetz-in-money-laundering-probe-23420/
Israeli authorities detained on Monday Beny Steinmetz, one of the country’s richest men, and four other money laundering and fraud suspects, media...Israeli authorities detained on Monday Beny Steinmetz, one of the country’s richest men, and four other money laundering and fraud suspects, media reported.

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]]>2017-08-17T14:04:22ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsFavoritism Shears Competitors in Georgian Sheep Industryhttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/favoritism-shears-competitors-in-georgian-sheep-industry-23419/
Beka Gonashvili's love for Georgian folk music led him into the sheep export business nearly a decade ago. But he’s singing a sad song now, claiming that government-connected companies have driven him out of what had been a lucrative market.

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]]>2017-08-17T14:04:22ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsAustralian Miner Iluka Resources Reveals African Bribery Scandalhttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/australian-miner-iluka-resources-reveals-african-bribery-scandal-23418/
Australian miner Iluka Resources uncovered that the firm it acquired last year engaged in bribery with senior government officials, The Sydney...Australian miner Iluka Resources uncovered that the firm it acquired last year engaged in bribery with senior government officials, The Sydney Morning Herald reported Monday.

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]]>2017-08-17T14:04:22ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsReporter Threatened, Chased in Sevanhttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum43/reporter-threatened-chased-in-sevan-23417/
YEREVAN—RFE/RL Armenian service correspondent Narine Ghalechyan was threatened and chased by a man while reporting on safety standards at Armenia’s...YEREVAN—RFE/RL Armenian service correspondent Narine Ghalechyan was threatened and chased by a man while reporting on safety standards at Armenia’s liquefied gas stations on Aug. 14.

Police officers inspected the damaged car used by the RFE/RL crew. (Photo: RFE/RL)

The young man turned on the reporter when she approached one such station in Sevan, a town approximately 35 miles north of Yerevan, and began filming, according to the RFE/RL Armenian service report.

“I switched off and hid the video camera to prevent him from damaging it but kept holding the microphone in a visible way, which was enough for him to understand that I’m a journalist, then ran away and got in the car,” Ghalechyan said. “I told him not to approach me or I will call the police, which made him even angrier…. He reached for the car’s door, which I already locked. When he realized that the door is locked, he started kicking and punching it.”

Ghalechian then headed to a police station and reported the incident to senior officers there. The man was brought into the police station for questioning later in the day. Police officers also inspected the damaged car used by the RFE/RL crew. They pledged to hold the violent man accountable.

Armenia’s Ombudsman (Human Rights Defender), Arman Tatoyan, was quick to express concern at the incident. A statement by Tatoyan’s office said he has formally appealed to the Armenian police to conduct an investigation.

YEREVAN—RFE/RL Armenian service correspondent Narine Ghalechyan was threatened and chased by a man while reporting on safety standards at Armenia’s liquefied gas stations on Aug. 14. Police officers inspected the damaged car used by the RFE/RL crew. (Photo: RFE/RL) The young man turned on the reporter when she approached one such station in Sevan, a town approximately 35 miles north of Yerevan, and began filming, according to the RFE/RL Armenian service report. “I switched off and hid the video camera to prevent him from damaging it but kept holding the microphone in a visible way, which was enough for him to understand that I’m a journalist, then ran away and got in the car,” Ghalechyan said. “I told him not to approach me or I will call the police, which made him even angrier…. He reached for the car’s door, which I already locked. When he realized that the door is locked, he started kicking and punching it.” Ghalechian then headed to a police station and reported the incident to senior officers there. The man was brought into the police station for questioning later in the day. Police officers also inspected the damaged car used by the RFE/RL crew. They [...]
YEREVAN—RFE/RL Armenian service correspondent Narine Ghalechyan was threatened and chased by a man while reporting on safety standards at Armenia’s liquefied gas stations on Aug. 14. Police officers inspected the damaged car used by the RFE/RL crew. (Photo: RFE/RL) The young man turned on the reporter when she approached one such station in Sevan, a town approximately 35 miles north of Yerevan, and began filming, according to the RFE/RL Armenian service report. “I switched off and hid the video camera to prevent him from damaging it but kept holding the microphone in a visible way, which was enough for him to understand that I’m a journalist, then ran away and got in the car,” Ghalechyan said. “I told him not to approach me or I will call the police, which made him even angrier…. He reached for the car’s door, which I already locked. When he realized that the door is locked, he started kicking and punching it.” Ghalechian then headed to a police station and reported the incident to senior officers there. The man was brought into the police station for questioning later in the day. Police officers also inspected the damaged car used by the RFE/RL crew. They [...]
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]]>2017-08-17T14:04:22ZVIP Forums GroupDiasporaArmenian Guerrilla Fighter Nubar Ozanyan Killed in Rojava while Fighting ISIShttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum43/armenian-guerrilla-fighter-nubar-ozanyan-killed-in-rojava-while-fighting-isis-23416/
Nor Zartonk: ‘Unger Nubar has been one of the important bearers of the Armenian revolutionary tradition’

ROJAVA (A.W.)—Nubar Ozanyan (code name “Orhan,” in honor of the famous Turkish-Armenian Marxist-Leninist Armenak (Orhan) Bakirciyan) was killed while fighting ISIS/DAESH forces Rojava on Aug. 14, according to several sources. Ozanyan was a member of the Communist Party of Turkey/Marxist-Leninist (TKP/ML) and the Liberation Army of the Workers and Peasants of Turkey (TIKKO).

Nubar Ozanyan (Photo: IRPGF/Twitter)

Following his death, the Istanbul-based Nor Zartonk movement released a statement in Turkish praising Ozanyan’s fight against ISIS.

“We have learned with great sadness that Armenian revolutionary commander unger (comrade) Nubar Ozanyan died when fighting against ISIS/DAESH with TKP/ML and TIKKO in Rojava, on Aug. 14, 2017. With revolutionary modesty, commitment, resolve, courage, and internationalist spirit, unger Nubar has been one of the important bearers of the Armenian revolutionary tradition. We are deeply saddened to have lost a genuine revolutionary who has succeeded in becoming an agent of the revolution. May the light illuminate your path. Your struggle will live on through our struggle. Long live the revolution and long live socialism. Long live international solidarity,” read the Nor Zartonk statement, as translated by the Armenian Weekly.

According to some reports, Ozanyan had taken part in the Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh) Liberation War in the 1990s. “From Lebanon and Palestine to Nagorno-Karabagh and Rojava, we are so honored to have known Orhan, who showed us what it means to be a guerrilla,” the International Revolutionary People’s Guerrilla Forces (IRPGF) tweeted on Aug. 15.

The IRPGF is a militant, armed, self-organized, and horizontal collective of anarchist fighters from around the world.

Nor Zartonk: ‘Unger Nubar has been one of the important bearers of the Armenian revolutionary tradition’ ROJAVA (A.W.)—Nubar Ozanyan (code name “Orhan,” in honor of the famous Turkish-Armenian Marxist-Leninist Armenak (Orhan) Bakirciyan) was killed while fighting ISIS/DAESH forces Rojava on Aug. 14, according to several sources. Ozanyan was a member of the Communist Party of Turkey/Marxist-Leninist (TKP/ML) and the Liberation Army of the Workers and Peasants of Turkey (TIKKO). Nubar Ozanyan (Photo: IRPGF/Twitter) Following his death, the Istanbul-based Nor Zartonk movement released a statement in Turkish praising Ozanyan’s fight against ISIS. “We have learned with great sadness that Armenian revolutionary commander unger (comrade) Nubar Ozanyan died when fighting against ISIS/DAESH with TKP/ML and TIKKO in Rojava, on Aug. 14, 2017. With revolutionary modesty, commitment, resolve, courage, and internationalist spirit, unger Nubar has been one of the important bearers of the Armenian revolutionary tradition. We are deeply saddened to have lost a genuine revolutionary who has succeeded in becoming an agent of the revolution. May the light illuminate your path. Your struggle will live on through our struggle. Long live the revolution and long live socialism. Long live international solidarity,” read the Nor Zartonk statement, as translated by the Armenian Weekly. [...]
Nor Zartonk: ‘Unger Nubar has been one of the important bearers of the Armenian revolutionary tradition’ ROJAVA (A.W.)—Nubar Ozanyan (code name “Orhan,” in honor of the famous Turkish-Armenian Marxist-Leninist Armenak (Orhan) Bakirciyan) was killed while fighting ISIS/DAESH forces Rojava on Aug. 14, according to several sources. Ozanyan was a member of the Communist Party of Turkey/Marxist-Leninist (TKP/ML) and the Liberation Army of the Workers and Peasants of Turkey (TIKKO). Nubar Ozanyan (Photo: IRPGF/Twitter) Following his death, the Istanbul-based Nor Zartonk movement released a statement in Turkish praising Ozanyan’s fight against ISIS. “We have learned with great sadness that Armenian revolutionary commander unger (comrade) Nubar Ozanyan died when fighting against ISIS/DAESH with TKP/ML and TIKKO in Rojava, on Aug. 14, 2017. With revolutionary modesty, commitment, resolve, courage, and internationalist spirit, unger Nubar has been one of the important bearers of the Armenian revolutionary tradition. We are deeply saddened to have lost a genuine revolutionary who has succeeded in becoming an agent of the revolution. May the light illuminate your path. Your struggle will live on through our struggle. Long live the revolution and long live socialism. Long live international solidarity,” read the Nor Zartonk statement, as translated by the Armenian Weekly. [...]
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]]>2017-08-17T14:04:22ZVIP Forums GroupDiasporaThe Art of Narrating a Traumahttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum43/the-art-of-narrating-a-trauma-23415/
*Film Review: ‘The Promise’*
Special for the Armenian Weekly
Reconstructing the history of a crime, reorganizing the narrative of a tragedy,...Film Review: ‘The Promise’

Special for the Armenian Weekly

Reconstructing the history of a crime, reorganizing the narrative of a tragedy, resetting the scene of a murder, or simply pointing toward a criminal hidden behind the thick layers of the past. Those are some of the roles of a filmic category that one might call the “cinema of remembrance.”

The film “The Promise” fits into this category. It beautifully portrays an epic journey of an Armenian medical student (Mikael) who falls in love in Istanbul with Ana, an Armenian-born woman who in turn was engaged to an American journalist reporting from the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The plot merges the struggle of a threatened community with an intricate love story in the highly tense political context of World War I.

A still from ‘The Promise’ (Photo: Open Road Films)

The complex net of stories and genres provoked two distinct results: It gave the film a heavy and necessary emotional charge; but it also blurred the content, fragmented the message, and drowned the real motto of this genre of cinema. The motto being simply the following: “We were killed, and the world has to know this.” Instead, Terry George presents the movie as a history of struggle, of resistance, of a power negotiation between two unequal forces. Terry George transformed the story of a genocide into a history of a war. He implicitly turned the coldblooded murder into a regular conflict between an organized army and a rebellious militia. And by trying to attach a certain heroism to the resisting Armenian community, the movie missed the primary definition of a genocide—that it is not war, but an organized act of systematic murder of an entire community.

A war entails two opponents; a genocide is about a murderer and a victim. A war is a common responsibility; a genocide is one-sided, autistic, blind.

Armenians resisted the Ottoman army’s barbarity, and their heroism is undeniable, but historical accuracy and the narration of a trauma are two different matters. The goal of a cinema of remembrance is not to relate “all what happened” but “all we should remember,”—and, in this case, what to remember is the victimhood of the Armenians and not their resistance, the genocide and not the war. In other words, and to finish, a movie depicting a genocide should have revolved around a “this is what they did” and not a “this is all what happened.”

A movie resuscitating a crime should have more victims than heroes, and “The Promise” was a beautiful epic journey of too many heroes.

Film Review: ‘The Promise’ Special for the Armenian Weekly Reconstructing the history of a crime, reorganizing the narrative of a tragedy, resetting the scene of a murder, or simply pointing toward a criminal hidden behind the thick layers of the past. Those are some of the roles of a filmic category that one might call the “cinema of remembrance.” The film “The Promise” fits into this category. It beautifully portrays an epic journey of an Armenian medical student (Mikael) who falls in love in Istanbul with Ana, an Armenian-born woman who in turn was engaged to an American journalist reporting from the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The plot merges the struggle of a threatened community with an intricate love story in the highly tense political context of World War I. A still from ‘The Promise’ (Photo: Open Road Films) The complex net of stories and genres provoked two distinct results: It gave the film a heavy and necessary emotional charge; but it also blurred the content, fragmented the message, and drowned the real motto of this genre of cinema. The motto being simply the following: “We were killed, and the world has to know this.” Instead, Terry George presents [...]
Film Review: ‘The Promise’ Special for the Armenian Weekly Reconstructing the history of a crime, reorganizing the narrative of a tragedy, resetting the scene of a murder, or simply pointing toward a criminal hidden behind the thick layers of the past. Those are some of the roles of a filmic category that one might call the “cinema of remembrance.” The film “The Promise” fits into this category. It beautifully portrays an epic journey of an Armenian medical student (Mikael) who falls in love in Istanbul with Ana, an Armenian-born woman who in turn was engaged to an American journalist reporting from the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The plot merges the struggle of a threatened community with an intricate love story in the highly tense political context of World War I. A still from ‘The Promise’ (Photo: Open Road Films) The complex net of stories and genres provoked two distinct results: It gave the film a heavy and necessary emotional charge; but it also blurred the content, fragmented the message, and drowned the real motto of this genre of cinema. The motto being simply the following: “We were killed, and the world has to know this.” Instead, Terry George presents [...]
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]]>2017-08-17T14:04:22ZVIP Forums GroupDiasporaKhosrov State Reserve - Mountainous Terrain and Lack of Equipment Hinders Armenia Firefightershttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/khosrov-state-reserve-mountainous-terrain-and-lack-of-equipment-hinders-armenia-firefighters-23414/
Armenia’s Minister of the Environment Artzvik Minasyan is heading the firefighting efforts in the Khosrov section of the reserve which measures...Armenia’s Minister of the Environment Artzvik Minasyan is heading the firefighting efforts in the Khosrov section of the reserve which measures 238.78km2.

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]]>2017-08-16T13:18:48ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsArmenia: Khosrov Wildfire Continues to Burnhttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/armenia-khosrov-wildfire-continues-to-burn-23413/
The wildfire in Armenia’s Khosrov Forest State Reserve, now burning for three days, has already destroyed 400 hectares according to a preliminary...The wildfire in Armenia’s Khosrov Forest State Reserve, now burning for three days, has already destroyed 400 hectares according to a preliminary estimate by the country’s Ministry of Emergency Affairs.

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]]>2017-08-16T13:18:48ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsThe Khosrov Wildfire: Are the Media in Armenia Asking the Right Questions?http://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/the-khosrov-wildfire-are-the-media-in-armenia-asking-the-right-questions-23412/
The media in Armenia should be asking what caused the fire now raging in the Khosrov Forest State Reserve. For me, that’s the real story to be...The media in Armenia should be asking what caused the fire now raging in the Khosrov Forest State Reserve. For me, that’s the real story to be investigated here.

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]]>2017-08-16T13:18:48ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsAYF Summer 2017: A Village on the Borderlinehttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum43/ayf-summer-2017-a-village-on-the-borderline-23411/
*»*
*The “AYF Summer 2017” section of the Armenian Weekly’s Youth page will highlight the 2017 summer programs of the Armenian Youth...»

The “AYF Summer 2017” section of the Armenian Weekly’s Youth page will highlight the 2017 summer programs of the Armenian Youth Federation—Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (AYF-YOARF) Eastern United States.

AYF members with Artsakh committee members Sebouh Hamakorzian and Raffi KIllian at the Arajamugh village school

Of all of the experiences one may have on an Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Internship program, visiting Artsakh is probably the most rewarding and fulfilling.

Although going to Artsakh this summer was my third time there, I got the most from this trip, specifically because of our visit to Arajamugh, a model village established in 2004 by the Tufenkian Foundation. Its expansion is now being spearheaded by the Armenian Cultural Association of America (ACAA) Eastern U.S. Artsakh Fund.

When looking at the terrain and resources surrounding the village, one may ask what motivation there is behind building a permanent presence in this area.

Artsakh is a highly disputed region; in 1991, the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh (NKR) formally declared independence from Azerbaijan after years of grueling war. In 1994, at the end of that war, a ceasefire was signed between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, with Russia as the mediating party. Now, NKR is a de facto republic controlled by the Armenians living there, but it’s still not officially recognized as an independent country. NKR—now the Republic of Artsakh—and Azerbaijan share a long border, and there have been ceasefire violations, particularly by the Azerbaijanis, usually resulting in casualties on both sides.

AYF members in Arajamugh

That brings us back to the point of why Arajamugh is such an important village. It is located very close to both the Iranian and the Azerbaijani borders, making it even more valuable in terms of defending the Artsakh border. The village was strategically placed near an Armenian military base, which provides security to the local population (not only Arajamugh). Besides its value in terms of location, the village provides opportunities to those who may otherwise not have any. Once a house is built there, the local authorities select families to live in the house. If the family lives there for 10 years, they are awarded both the house and the land that it’s on.

On our visit, we were able to visit one of the homes, and the interior of the house was amazing, considering the village is in a relatively isolated area with limited resources. The houses also had wire fences around them to clearly delineate each land plot and contain any livestock.

We met with our Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) ungers, Sebouh Hamakorzian and Raffi KIllian, members of the Artsakh Fund committee, who have been involved with the development and progress of the Arajamugh village for over two years. The interns planned to visit Arajamugh at the same time as those ARF ungers so that they could explain to us all the work they have done so far for the village, and their plans for future expansion. They pointed out recently installed electricity lines, and water pipes that provide fresh water to residents, both projects made possible by a donation from the AYF Eastern Region.

Arajamugh opened my eyes as to how simple the lives of its citizens are. We spent an entire day in the village. We visited the school that the children of Arajamugh and surrounding villages attend. The inside of the school was breathtaking, with classrooms that had amazing teaching materials, including maps, charts, computers, books, and more. I was honestly surprised as to how nice the school was, and was even more excited to find out that they are expanding the school to add four new classrooms. This means not only that the school is physically getting bigger but also that the number of children in the village is increasing, proving that people are choosing to stay and develop the village.

AYF members in Arajamugh

In the backyard of the school, there were several pomegranate trees. The Tufenkian Foundation had planted these trees, as well the 7-hectare orchard across the road, to provide the people of the village with gainful employment and a chance to build something beautiful. The 11 AYF interns helped to clear some of the weeds around the pomegranate trees, water all the trees, and clear the weeds on the front and side of the houses. The locals of the town were excited to have a helping hand and expressed gratitude that we came to visit and provide some assistance.

After helping with the gardening work, we met Tigran, a child from one of the families in the village. Unfortunately, most of the children in the village were not there because they were away at a summer camp. Although I was disappointed that we were not able to spend time with them, I was glad to hear that the children have a summer camp to attend. We had bought several bags of toys for the kids to play with, including Frisbees, balls, and water guns. We began to play with Tigran, and he instantly fell in love with the toys. As we played, I watched his smile grow bigger and bigger, and he slowly began to open up to us more and more as we spent time together.

One of the newly constructed houses in Arajamugh

My biggest takeaway from our trip to Arajamugh was that we helped light a fire in Tigran’s heart. I truly believe that whether we spent time with all the children in the village or just one, our trip was successful. The impact that we left on Tigran showed him that there really are people outside of Arajamugh who care about him, and I hope that he begins to expand his horizons and reaches out farther into all that the world has to offer. Although he may not understand it now, there are so many opportunities regardless of upbringing. My hope is that this one boy begins to think how he can change not only his life but also the life of others in Arajamugh and Artsakh for the better.

Tigran deserves to get the most out of his life, and he should have the opportunity to strive to accomplish his hopes and dreams in Artsakh and Armenia.

If you would like to help Tigran and others like him build a life in Arajamugh, please contribute to the village expansion project by going to https://acaainc.org/artsakh/.

***

The Armenian Weekly Editor»Rupen Janbazian»recently had the opportunity to sit down with Artsakh Fund committee members Raffi Killian, Antranig Kasbarian, and Sebouh Hamakorzian to learn more about the Arajamugh Village Expansion project’s progress and to discuss the importance of building a village on the border. Read the full interview»here.

» The “AYF Summer 2017” section of the Armenian Weekly’s Youth page will highlight the 2017 summer programs of the Armenian Youth Federation—Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (AYF-YOARF) Eastern United States. *** A Village on the Borderline By Nareg Mkrtschjan 2017 AYF-YOARF Summer Intern and AYF Providence “Varantian” Chapter Member AYF members with Artsakh committee members Sebouh Hamakorzian and Raffi KIllian at the Arajamugh village school Of all of the experiences one may have on an Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Internship program, visiting Artsakh is probably the most rewarding and fulfilling. Although going to Artsakh this summer was my third time there, I got the most from this trip, specifically because of our visit to Arajamugh, a model village established in 2004 by the Tufenkian Foundation. Its expansion is now being spearheaded by the Armenian Cultural Association of America (ACAA) Eastern U.S. Artsakh Fund. When looking at the terrain and resources surrounding the village, one may ask what motivation there is behind building a permanent presence in this area. Artsakh is a highly disputed region; in 1991, the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh (NKR) formally declared independence from Azerbaijan after years of grueling war. In 1994, at the end of [...]
» The “AYF Summer 2017” section of the Armenian Weekly’s Youth page will highlight the 2017 summer programs of the Armenian Youth Federation—Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (AYF-YOARF) Eastern United States. *** A Village on the Borderline By Nareg Mkrtschjan 2017 AYF-YOARF Summer Intern and AYF Providence “Varantian” Chapter Member AYF members with Artsakh committee members Sebouh Hamakorzian and Raffi KIllian at the Arajamugh village school Of all of the experiences one may have on an Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Internship program, visiting Artsakh is probably the most rewarding and fulfilling. Although going to Artsakh this summer was my third time there, I got the most from this trip, specifically because of our visit to Arajamugh, a model village established in 2004 by the Tufenkian Foundation. Its expansion is now being spearheaded by the Armenian Cultural Association of America (ACAA) Eastern U.S. Artsakh Fund. When looking at the terrain and resources surrounding the village, one may ask what motivation there is behind building a permanent presence in this area. Artsakh is a highly disputed region; in 1991, the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh (NKR) formally declared independence from Azerbaijan after years of grueling war. In 1994, at the end of [...]
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]]>2017-08-16T13:18:48ZVIP Forums GroupDiasporaTurkish Activist Admits Major Blow When Texas Recognized Armenian Genocidehttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum43/turkish-activist-admits-major-blow-when-texas-recognized-armenian-genocide-23410/
Armenian-Americans knew they had scored a major victory for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide when Texas became the 46th state to recognize...Armenian-Americans knew they had scored a major victory for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide when Texas became the 46th state to recognize it. What Armenian-Americans did not realize is that the recognition by Texas had a devastating impact on the Turkish community’s lobbying efforts in the state.

The Texas House of Representatives unanimously passed House Resolution 191, titled ‘Recognizing the Armenian Genocide,’ on May 19.

Ferruh Demirmen, Ph.D., revealed in an article in Turkishnews.com the degree of despair he and his fellow Turks suffered in Texas when the State House recognized the Armenian Genocide on May 19, 2017. It is not very often that we come across a Turkish lobbyist who acknowledges total defeat at the hands of the Armenian community.

Demirmen starts by blaming his fellow Turks for “years of Turkish apathy and passivity, combined with Armenian aggressiveness and Western prejudice” for the passage of the resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide. He also credits the activism by the Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region (ANCA-WR), for arranging “tours involving Armenian activists at town-hall meetings,” visiting “State elected officials individually,” and establishing ANCA-WR chapters in “Dallas, Austin, and Houston.”

The Turkish activist also credits the success of the genocide resolution to the support of “State Representative Scott Sanford, who is also the Executive Pastor of a Baptist church in Texas.” Having done an incredible amount of research for his article, Demirmen recalls: “At a gala organized by ANCA-Dallas in April 2016, Representative Sanford was awarded ‘Advocate for Justice Award’ for his ‘strong dedication to raising awareness about the Armenian Genocide.’” At the gala, a letter from Republican Senator Ted Cruz was read recognizing the Armenian Genocide, according to Demirmen.

On Jan. 26, Representative Sanford introduced Texas House Resolution HR-191 to recognize the Armenian Genocide. The Resolution was first presented to the Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee (TIAC), which called for a public hearing at the State Capitol in Austin on April 24. Demirmen regrets that the Texas legislature chose “April 24 for the public hearing, a date considered symbolic for Armenian allegations, [which] was the first sign that TIAC was pro-Armenian in its outlook.”

Demirmen is unhappy that “the hearing was closely coordinated with ANCA-WR and Rep. Sanford, and while the Armenian side had long known about the hearing, the Turkish side knew of the meeting less than a week in advance.” As a result, only six Turks attended the hearing (five from Houston and one from Dallas), while “a large crowd from the Armenian side was present. Also present [at TIAC] as an ‘observer’ was Rep. Sanford.”

Demirmen expresses his regret that only four Turks, including himself, testified in committee, whereas 21 Armenians had testified. “The Armenian side ended up having five times more chances to present its case than the Turkish side. Thus the Armenian side dominated not only in terms of ‘presence’ in the hearing, but also in the testimonies given,” Demirmen admitted. “Among those who testified for the Armenian side were representatives from the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission, and Houston’s Holocaust Museum,” Demirmen reported. In addition, “hundreds of letters were emailed to state legislators. Many more phone calls were made by the Armenian community.”

Among the objections raised by Turks who testified against the Resolution, were the “impropriety of Texas legislators to intervene in matters affecting U.S. foreign policy, the damage the bill could do to trade relations between Texas and Turkey, the divisive aspect of the resolution, and not the least, the fact that the resolution is defamatory toward Texas residents of Turkish heritage,” Demirmen complained.

None of these objections made an impact on the TIAC members who approved the Resolution unanimously on April 24. The Texas House took up the Resolution on May 19, approving it with 137 yes votes (eight members were absent and five abstained).

In utter despair, Demirmen describes the outcome as “a feat masterminded by ANCA-WR and endorsed by the Texas House of Representatives. While the resolution has no legal force, for all practical purposes, and for the public at large, it was a declaration finding Ottoman Turks guilty of a heinous crime.”

Demirmen acknowledges that “the Turkish response, at least at the grassroots level, to HR-191, was feeble…. Turks are no match to Armenians on activism on the ‘genocide’ issue…. The Turkish side has only itself to blame for its lethargy and passivity.”

The Turkish activist concludes his article by blaming the ATA-Houston (American Turkish Association) for not bothering to oppose HR-191. He calls the group, “the happy-hour-conscious association, founded in 1979, was not interested in the Armenian issue.”

Even though Demirmen blames Texas Turks for their inactivity, there is actually only one reason why the Resolution was adopted: Because it tells the truth. The State of Texas finally acknowledged the historical fact of the Armenian Genocide.

Armenian-Americans knew they had scored a major victory for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide when Texas became the 46th state to recognize it. What Armenian-Americans did not realize is that the recognition by Texas had a devastating impact on the Turkish community’s lobbying efforts in the state. The Texas House of Representatives unanimously passed House Resolution 191, titled ‘Recognizing the Armenian Genocide,’ on May 19. Ferruh Demirmen, Ph.D., revealed in an article in Turkishnews.com the degree of despair he and his fellow Turks suffered in Texas when the State House recognized the Armenian Genocide on May 19, 2017. It is not very often that we come across a Turkish lobbyist who acknowledges total defeat at the hands of the Armenian community. Demirmen starts by blaming his fellow Turks for “years of Turkish apathy and passivity, combined with Armenian aggressiveness and Western prejudice” for the passage of the resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide. He also credits the activism by the Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region (ANCA-WR), for arranging “tours involving Armenian activists at town-hall meetings,” visiting “State elected officials individually,” and establishing ANCA-WR chapters in “Dallas, Austin, and Houston.” The Turkish activist also credits the success of the [...]
Armenian-Americans knew they had scored a major victory for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide when Texas became the 46th state to recognize it. What Armenian-Americans did not realize is that the recognition by Texas had a devastating impact on the Turkish community’s lobbying efforts in the state. The Texas House of Representatives unanimously passed House Resolution 191, titled ‘Recognizing the Armenian Genocide,’ on May 19. Ferruh Demirmen, Ph.D., revealed in an article in Turkishnews.com the degree of despair he and his fellow Turks suffered in Texas when the State House recognized the Armenian Genocide on May 19, 2017. It is not very often that we come across a Turkish lobbyist who acknowledges total defeat at the hands of the Armenian community. Demirmen starts by blaming his fellow Turks for “years of Turkish apathy and passivity, combined with Armenian aggressiveness and Western prejudice” for the passage of the resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide. He also credits the activism by the Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region (ANCA-WR), for arranging “tours involving Armenian activists at town-hall meetings,” visiting “State elected officials individually,” and establishing ANCA-WR chapters in “Dallas, Austin, and Houston.” The Turkish activist also credits the success of the [...]
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]]>2017-08-16T13:18:48ZVIP Forums GroupDiasporaBringing the ?Kef? Back to Asbury Parkhttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum43/bringing-the-kef-back-to-asbury-park-23409/
‘Return to Asbury’ Kef Weekend to Take Place Aug. 25-27

The sixth annual ‘Return to Asbury’ kef weekend returns to its historic roots, as Armenian music legend Onnik Dinkjian headlines the popular summer event, scheduled for Aug. 25-27.

The kef music of Onnik and his son, internationally renowned multi-instrumentalist Ara Dinkjian, will evoke the 1950s and 1960s, when Armenians originally gathered in Asbury Park and socialized on the beach, danced to kef music, played tavlou (backgammon), and spent their summer weekends filled with Armenian spirit and camaraderie.

The event, which was revitalized six years ago, brings back that same sentiment highlighted by the musical talents of the Dinkjians as well as the new generation of musicians, including Steve Vosbikian Jr., who grew up listening to both Onnik and Ara, and says he considers it an honor to share the stage with them.

“It means everything to share the stage with these men, both of whom are not only fine musicians but fine family men who have taught us about much more than music,” said Vosbikian, the event’s music development director and a descendant of members of the Vosbikian Band, who played kef music in Asbury Park decades ago. “Onnik and Ara are our kings and our fathers. They are an important part of our Armenian musical culture and identity.”

The weekend will kick off with a happy hour at the beachfront Watermark on Friday evening, followed by a day of fun and games on the 7th Avenue Beach. The joyous kef concert will take place Saturday evening at the famous hotel The Berkeley.

“Armenian music is a commonality in Armenian communities and the tie that binds us,” said committee member Arsine Kaloustian. “This event is a vital part of maintaining our cultural continuity, and also forging friendships, networks (and sometimes marriages!) that cross not only state lines but sometimes international lines as well.”

“Return to Asbury, which is an independent event led by a small committee, focuses on music, dancing, and a good cause,” noted committee member David Norian. All proceeds for the event will benefit Armenian music education, specifically to donate musical instruments for Armenian school children and keep the kef going well into the future.

“Return to Asbury is about people and place, and if we can bring the legendary voice of Onnik back to Asbury Park, for it to be heard again in the halls and in the air that once was filled with these same sounds, then we have achieved the goal we started out with five years ago,” Norian said.

“Return to Asbury” will take place Aug 25-27, 2017, with the big kef dance on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, please visit returntoasbury2017.eventbrite.com.

‘Return to Asbury’ Kef Weekend to Take Place Aug. 25-27 ASBURY PARK, N.J.—The sixth annual “Return to Asbury” kef weekend returns to its historic roots, as Armenian music legend Onnik Dinkjian headlines the popular summer event, scheduled for Aug. 25-27. The sixth annual ‘Return to Asbury’ kef weekend returns to its historic roots, as Armenian music legend Onnik Dinkjian headlines the popular summer event, scheduled for Aug. 25-27. The kef music of Onnik and his son, internationally renowned multi-instrumentalist Ara Dinkjian, will evoke the 1950s and 1960s, when Armenians originally gathered in Asbury Park and socialized on the beach, danced to kef music, played tavlou (backgammon), and spent their summer weekends filled with Armenian spirit and camaraderie. The event, which was revitalized six years ago, brings back that same sentiment highlighted by the musical talents of the Dinkjians as well as the new generation of musicians, including Steve Vosbikian Jr., who grew up listening to both Onnik and Ara, and says he considers it an honor to share the stage with them. “It means everything to share the stage with these men, both of whom are not only fine musicians but fine family men who have taught us about [...]
‘Return to Asbury’ Kef Weekend to Take Place Aug. 25-27 ASBURY PARK, N.J.—The sixth annual “Return to Asbury” kef weekend returns to its historic roots, as Armenian music legend Onnik Dinkjian headlines the popular summer event, scheduled for Aug. 25-27. The sixth annual ‘Return to Asbury’ kef weekend returns to its historic roots, as Armenian music legend Onnik Dinkjian headlines the popular summer event, scheduled for Aug. 25-27. The kef music of Onnik and his son, internationally renowned multi-instrumentalist Ara Dinkjian, will evoke the 1950s and 1960s, when Armenians originally gathered in Asbury Park and socialized on the beach, danced to kef music, played tavlou (backgammon), and spent their summer weekends filled with Armenian spirit and camaraderie. The event, which was revitalized six years ago, brings back that same sentiment highlighted by the musical talents of the Dinkjians as well as the new generation of musicians, including Steve Vosbikian Jr., who grew up listening to both Onnik and Ara, and says he considers it an honor to share the stage with them. “It means everything to share the stage with these men, both of whom are not only fine musicians but fine family men who have taught us about [...]
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]]>2017-08-16T13:18:48ZVIP Forums GroupDiasporaArtsakh – Southern Frontlinehttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/artsakh-southern-frontline-23408/
Artsakh – Southern Frontline
More... (http://hetq.am/eng/news/81266/)Artsakh – Southern Frontline

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]]>2017-08-15T14:22:00ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsAzerbaijani Gunfire Kills Artsakh Soldierhttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/azerbaijani-gunfire-kills-artsakh-soldier-23407/
The Artsakh Ministry of Defense says that one of its soldiers, Arman Movsisyan, was killed by Azerbaijani gunfire earlier today.
More......The Artsakh Ministry of Defense says that one of its soldiers, Arman Movsisyan, was killed by Azerbaijani gunfire earlier today.

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]]>2017-08-15T14:22:00ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsYerevan Municipality Discusses Dog Walks, Bicycle Safety Issueshttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/yerevan-municipality-discusses-dog-walks-bicycle-safety-issues-23406/
In response to numerous complaints about pet dogs being allowed to run free in the city’s parks, the Yerevan Municipality will be discussing the...In response to numerous complaints about pet dogs being allowed to run free in the city’s parks, the Yerevan Municipality will be discussing the possibility of allocating various spots around the Armenian capital for dog walks/runs.

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]]>2017-08-15T14:22:00ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsAWOL Armenian Soldier Found Hanging in Native Villagehttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum41/awol-armenian-soldier-found-hanging-in-native-village-23405/
The body of Abas Aloyan, a conscript soldier in the Armenian army, was found hanging in a shed yesterday in the Shirak village of Hatsik.
More......The body of Abas Aloyan, a conscript soldier in the Armenian army, was found hanging in a shed yesterday in the Shirak village of Hatsik.

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]]>2017-08-15T14:22:00ZVIP Forums GroupPoliticsCrews Continue to Fight Fire at Khosrov Forest State Reservehttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum43/crews-continue-to-fight-fire-at-khosrov-forest-state-reserve-23404/
ARARAT PROVINCE, Armenia (A.W.)—Firefighters continue to battle a forest fire in Armenia’s Khosrov Forest State Reserve. According to the country’s...ARARAT PROVINCE, Armenia (A.W.)—Firefighters continue to battle a forest fire in Armenia’s Khosrov Forest State Reserve. According to the country’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, 69 firefighters and the response group of the National Crisis Management Center have been deployed to fight the fire. An Armenian military helicopter has also been deployed.

Firefighters continue to battle a forest fire in Armenia’s Khosrov Forest State Reserve. (Photo: Ministry of Emergency Situations of Armenia)

According to preliminary reports, 200-250 hectares of forested area is on fire.

the Khosrov Forest State Reserve is one the oldest protected areas in the world, with a history of about 1700 years, according to a 2011 application presented by the Ministry of Nature Protection to the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats.

The reserve is located in the Ararat Province, in southwestern Armenia, southeast of Yerevan, covering the branches of the Geghama Ridge. The reserve is 29,196 hectares, of which 9,000 are forested. It is located at an altitude of 1600-2300 meters above sea level.

The reserve spans four districts: Garni to the north; Kakavaberd to the northeast; Khosrov in the center; and Khachadzor to the east.

ARARAT PROVINCE, Armenia (A.W.)—Firefighters continue to battle a forest fire in Armenia’s Khosrov Forest State Reserve. According to the country’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, 69 firefighters and the response group of the National Crisis Management Center have been deployed to fight the fire. An Armenian military helicopter has also been deployed. Firefighters continue to battle a forest fire in Armenia’s Khosrov Forest State Reserve. (Photo: Ministry of Emergency Situations of Armenia) According to preliminary reports, 200-250 hectares of forested area is on fire. the Khosrov Forest State Reserve is one the oldest protected areas in the world, with a history of about 1700 years, according to a 2011 application presented by the Ministry of Nature Protection to the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. “The reserve preserves ancient cultural amenities, historical-architectural monuments, unique plant and animal species, splendid diversity of scenic landscapes,” read a part of the description in the application. The reserve is located in the Ararat Province, in southwestern Armenia, southeast of Yerevan, covering the branches of the Geghama Ridge. The reserve is 29,196 hectares, of which 9,000 are forested. It is located at an altitude of 1600-2300 meters above sea level. The reserve [...]
ARARAT PROVINCE, Armenia (A.W.)—Firefighters continue to battle a forest fire in Armenia’s Khosrov Forest State Reserve. According to the country’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, 69 firefighters and the response group of the National Crisis Management Center have been deployed to fight the fire. An Armenian military helicopter has also been deployed. Firefighters continue to battle a forest fire in Armenia’s Khosrov Forest State Reserve. (Photo: Ministry of Emergency Situations of Armenia) According to preliminary reports, 200-250 hectares of forested area is on fire. the Khosrov Forest State Reserve is one the oldest protected areas in the world, with a history of about 1700 years, according to a 2011 application presented by the Ministry of Nature Protection to the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. “The reserve preserves ancient cultural amenities, historical-architectural monuments, unique plant and animal species, splendid diversity of scenic landscapes,” read a part of the description in the application. The reserve is located in the Ararat Province, in southwestern Armenia, southeast of Yerevan, covering the branches of the Geghama Ridge. The reserve is 29,196 hectares, of which 9,000 are forested. It is located at an altitude of 1600-2300 meters above sea level. The reserve [...]
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]]>2017-08-15T14:22:00ZVIP Forums GroupDiasporaCharny Presents a New Approach to Psychological Diagnosis and Therapy in Latest Bookhttp://viparmenia.com/vb/forum43/charny-presents-a-new-approach-to-psychological-diagnosis-and-therapy-in-latest-book-23403/
A new book titled A Democratic Mind: Psychology and Psychiatry with Fewer Meds and More Soul by Israel W. Charny focuses on how one is living out...A new book titled A Democratic Mind: Psychology and Psychiatry with Fewer Meds and More Soul by Israel W. Charny focuses on how one is living out one’s life, and it combines the question emphasized in traditional psychiatry, how one is doing harm to oneself, with the question whether one is doing harm to others.

The book, published by Lexington Press, provides a new lens for understanding whole people in their real lives rather than treatments that focus on alleviating symptoms. It also creates a bridge between traditional concepts of psychopathology and the politics of fascism, terrorism, and genocide and makes the profession of mental health more relevant to our ongoing lives in this world.

The cover of Charny’s A Democratic Mind (Photo: Lexington Press)

Students of religious studies, human rights, or Holocaust and genocide studies will also find that the book’s call for human beings to do no harm to other people’s lives is a welcome bridge between psychology and their subjects (see the author’s Introduction, “Coming Back Home from the Study of Genocide to Everyday Psychopathology and Psychotherapy”).

The book calls for more soulful psychotherapy rather than more medications. It is consistent with the report recently released by the UN critiquing psychiatric services around the world for overprescribing medications—many of them questionable—and underproviding psychological therapy.

Professionals and other people knowledgeable in mental health will appreciate that the Foreword to this book is written by Allen Frances, M.D., who was the editor of DSM-IV!» The book is highly critical of DSM, yet his Foreword expresses deep appreciation along with a respectful debate that is genuinely interesting.

Appreciations of the book include the following: “Groundbreaking: The argument for freedom of thought in our work and in our lives is emblazoned in this groundbreaking book for our times,” by David Scharff, M.D.; “Compelling: This compelling book held my interest throughout. It is written by a man who loves life and speaks with candor, clarity, and courage,” by Michael Berenbaum, Ph.D.; “Empowering: Charny offers readers an approach to assessment and psychotherapy that is firmly grounded in democratic, life-affirming values, and that emphasizes the choice between good and evil,” by »Susan McDaniel, Ph.D.

The author is pleased to offer a 30% author’s discount to those who email a request for an order form to encygeno@gmail.com or send a request by regular mail to the Institute on the Holocaust and Genocide, POB 10311, 91102, Jerusalem, Israel.

A new book titled A Democratic Mind: Psychology and Psychiatry with Fewer Meds and More Soul by Israel W. Charny focuses on how one is living out one’s life, and it combines the question emphasized in traditional psychiatry, how one is doing harm to oneself, with the question whether one is doing harm to others. The book, published by Lexington Press, provides a new lens for understanding whole people in their real lives rather than treatments that focus on alleviating symptoms. It also creates a bridge between traditional concepts of psychopathology and the politics of fascism, terrorism, and genocide and makes the profession of mental health more relevant to our ongoing lives in this world. The cover of Charny’s A Democratic Mind (Photo: Lexington Press) Students of religious studies, human rights, or Holocaust and genocide studies will also find that the book’s call for human beings to do no harm to other people’s lives is a welcome bridge between psychology and their subjects (see the author’s Introduction, “Coming Back Home from the Study of Genocide to Everyday Psychopathology and Psychotherapy”). The book calls for more soulful psychotherapy rather than more medications. It is consistent with the report recently released by [...]
A new book titled A Democratic Mind: Psychology and Psychiatry with Fewer Meds and More Soul by Israel W. Charny focuses on how one is living out one’s life, and it combines the question emphasized in traditional psychiatry, how one is doing harm to oneself, with the question whether one is doing harm to others. The book, published by Lexington Press, provides a new lens for understanding whole people in their real lives rather than treatments that focus on alleviating symptoms. It also creates a bridge between traditional concepts of psychopathology and the politics of fascism, terrorism, and genocide and makes the profession of mental health more relevant to our ongoing lives in this world. The cover of Charny’s A Democratic Mind (Photo: Lexington Press) Students of religious studies, human rights, or Holocaust and genocide studies will also find that the book’s call for human beings to do no harm to other people’s lives is a welcome bridge between psychology and their subjects (see the author’s Introduction, “Coming Back Home from the Study of Genocide to Everyday Psychopathology and Psychotherapy”). The book calls for more soulful psychotherapy rather than more medications. It is consistent with the report recently released by [...]
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]]>2017-08-15T14:22:00ZVIP Forums GroupDiasporaArmenia: The Struggle for Justice (Part I)http://viparmenia.com/vb/forum43/armenia-the-struggle-for-justice-part-i-23402/
Some Armenians, Fed Up with Injustice, Leave the Country. Others, like Shahnazaryan, Stay and Resist…

An Interview with Anna Shahnazaryan by David Barsamian

Mountainous and landlocked Armenia has had a long history, but as a nation state it is relatively new. Armenia declared its independence in 1991. This wide-ranging and revealing interview with Anna Shahnazaryan, an environmental activist and a feminist based in Yerevan, covers many issues facing Armenia.

Left with a legacy of 70 years of Soviet rule, Armenia has a major corruption problem. The adoption of neoliberalism by elites has produced massive inequality. Oligarchs dominate the state and the economy. Unregulated mining is causing environmental damage. Water supplies are being threatened. Quality healthcare, extremely expensive, is available for the rich. Education? More of the same. The media parrot the government line. Patriarchy and misogyny persist. Women are seen as child-producers for the defense of the nation. A decades-old conflict continues with neighboring Azerbaijan. Both that border and the one with Turkey are closed. Some Armenians, fed up with injustice, leave the country. Others, like Shahnazaryan stay and resist.

Anna Shahnazaryan

This interview, which was recorded in Yerevan, on June 9, first aired on Barsamian’s Alternative Radio (AR) program and was transcribed for the Armenian Weekly.

Help AR spread its progressive message to larger audiences at a time when it’s particularly needed. AR has no underwriters, government grants, or advertising income. Radio stations receive AR programming free of charge and the program solely depends on its listeners to sustain AR.

David Barsamian: 2016 was the hottest year on record, breaking the previous record, set in 2015. This trend has become the norm over the past several decades. The polar icecaps are melting at an alarming rate… Talk about climate change and Armenia: Is there much awareness of the issue, and is attention being paid to it?

Ann Shahnazayan: There is a cynical attitude in Armenia regarding global warming, particularly sea-level rise, because Armenia is a mountainous country. It’s barely the size of Maryland in the United States, with a population of less than 3 million. It’s located on a portion of the Armenian Highlands, between Turkey and Iran. It’s a cynical attitude, because people say, “OK, the lowlands may be flooded by rising sea waters, but we will stay up in our mountains, because this is also where humanity was protected in biblical legend.” Noah’s Ark landed on top of Mount Ararat, which is not far from the present border of Armenia. It was part of Armenia historically. Anyway, that’s kind of a joke.

But global warming and climate change are threatening Armenia, together with disastrous economic policies that are destroying the unique ecosystems of the country and creating an even greater threat, which is coupled with climate change, causing extreme levels of desertification. There are many reasons for desertification, so let me enumerate them.

Armenia is rapidly being deforested. One reason for deforestation is mining. As a mountainous country, there are extractive minerals in its subsoils. With no regard, and with no calculation and—no, let’s say, forecasting—of what will happen with deforestation, just in terms of climate change, this country’s corrupt government has issued licenses and given a green light to disastrous mining projects and is continuing to do so. Our mountains are important ecosystems that also are sources of water: This is where the snow melts and fresh water originates. These fresh waters are threatened by deforestation.

An illegally logged area and its subsequent erosion outside the popular tourism destination village of Dsegh, in the Lori Province of Armenia. (Photo: IUCN)

And another reason is illegal logging of forests. This is being done in part because people are poor and they have to cut down trees for fuel. But a large part of illegal logging is done for industrial purposes, by oligarchs.

Another cause of desertification is unsustainable overuse of groundwater—especially in the Ararat Valley, one of the flattest areas of Armenia. The land is very fertile, with artificial irrigation, thus there is a lot of farming. The groundwater has been overused by big fisheries, which are operated mostly by local oligarchs.

But the local oligarchs cannot function and exist outside the global system. This criminal capitalist system, particularly the financial sector, allows for capital flow out of the country without any monitoring or control. Money flows to so-called offshore tax havens, where local oligarchs can hide their identities and reappear in the country in the guise of Western investors.

Environmental issues caused by mining, the threat against water resources, and desertification lead to not just economic problems but also migration. Migration is Armenia’s plague, maybe like for any other small state, and particularly in what neoliberals call the former Soviet republics: the “transition states.” Living here, you always think this is a unique thing,how people desert the country. So the country is also desertified by having people fleeing not just for economic reasons but also for environmental ones.

D.B.: So the Ararat Valley, the breadbasket of the country, has fish farms?

A.S.: Yes. To put this in perspective: the aquifer under the Ararat Valley was almost the size of Lake Sevan, which is not just one of the largest sources of fresh water in Armenia but in this whole upper highland region. Sevan is located at 2,000 meters above sea level. The aquifer was once the size of this lake, but it has, just within almost 20 years, shrunk two-fold. This has occurred because of the fisheries, which have no recycling and a very unsustainable manner of operation. They belong to, for example, a former prime minister, who controls much of the agricultural system. He is from the Ararat Valley. Another oligarch, who has been a parliamentarian for a long time and has big economic interests, including a monopoly over imports of commodities like food, also has huge fisheries.

But the local oligarchs cannot function and exist outside the global system. This criminal capitalist system, particularly the financial sector, allows for capital flow out of the country without any monitoring or control.

But what’s really alarming is our understanding of what we have in terms of water resources, along with what is happening, through a financial global perspective. We are one of the most rapidly water-privatizing places in the world. For example, back maybe 15 years ago, when the first water privatization project took place with the support of the World Bank—but it was more of an insistence by the World Bank—it was just the water supply in Yerevan, the capital, which has almost half of the population of the country—over 1 million people in an urban area. The water was privatized and sold to a French company, Veolia. Veolia is a global transnational known all over the world, and it’s notorious for corrupt practices.

But here in Armenia this conversation about water is not taking place. Why in hell should we privatize our own water and give it to a foreign transnational corporation to come and sell it to us? So, after these 15 years of Yerevan being under the private water supply system, now almost all of the country is being sold water by Veolia. That’s one thing.

Lake Sevan (Photo: Shaun Dunphy)

Another thing is that we have absolutely no idea of what is the political and global view of Armenia’s water resources. There is a rumor that Lake Sevan is viewed as a commodity. For example, a neighboring country, Azerbaijan, with whom Armenia has a military conflict, has oil. And in Armenia there is this rhetoric: “They have their oil, and our oil is our water.” Which for me is a very cynical approach to understanding the preciousness, or pricelessness, of water. You cannot just put a price on water and say, “This is our natural resource,” because that leads to thinking that one day we will have to sell it. This is what capitalism has brought us to, that you can buy canisters of water for your home needs, and then you can just sell off an entire lake. This is horrible.

D.B.: In Cochabamba, Bolivia, the water system was privatized and sold to an American conglomerate, Bechtel. There was a popular uprising and the government had to cancel the deal, and it became once again publicly owned.

A.S.: This is one of the more inspiring cases, that an uprising takes place and results in demands being met. What is quite dispiriting [in Armenia] is the lack of critical public discussion of what is actually happening here in terms of what privatization means. We live with the extreme consequences of post-Soviet “fire-sale privatizations.” And even now it is continuing. We were a largely industrialized country, at least until the end of the Soviet era. Many of our factories and equipment were sold for almost nothing in the first years of the post-Soviet era.

The most important things that will actually sustain the functioning of the country, which are infrastructure and the facilities that sustain supply of, for example, energy, water, pipelines, and services, like the post office… the last remaining pieces are literally at this moment on a list for sale. Take hospitals. Ten large hospitals were put on the list yesterday in a non-publicly discussed, non-parliamentary discussed bill, which will certainly be adopted. Hospitals are being sold, post office buildings are being sold, energy infrastructure is being sold. There is no discussion that this is not fair.

This [lack of discussion] is the result of basically draining the country of a critical approach: It can be journalistic, it can be academic, it can be public popular thinking. This has been deliberate. For example, filling Armenia’s academia with capitalist ideology when it comes to the economy and driving out any possibility of a critical approach. Because what would be a criticism would be labeled as “you’re being a stupid communist or an idiotic Marxist” or whatever. And because of public disgust with the Soviet totalitarian system, this is also transferred into disgust with ideologies like communism and Marxism.

Effectively, this might be a local thing, or it can be [nurtured] with the help of international donors, which are normally the large “development financial institutions,” such as the World Bank and the IMF, their European counterparts, the Asian Development Bank, and intergovernmental so-called “aid agencies.” I’ve taken the following term from Latin America, and the example of Bolivia: Compradors [agents of foreign economic entities], local servants; [they] have brought about an empty intellectual and critical approach to putting what’s happening in the country in the larger global context and criticizing it from this perspective and finding local solutions. An uprising against privatizing the water supply system would not be imaginable at the moment in Armenia, because the issue is not perceived or understood in those terms.

Poor people know that they have a problem with their water. People right now, today, are blocking interstate roads from the villages because of the water issue. But that doesn’t lead to saying, “Well, the problem is privatization, the problem is no public control and monitoring of how water is used and prevention of overuse.” It’s a very local, shortsighted approach. People just block the road. And if they get some water tomorrow, which they will, they will go home.

D.B.: So the resistance is not sustained.

A.S.: It is not sustained, because, as I said, it’s not put into a larger political perspective. A lot of the actions or protests that are happening are local, just with their sort of grassroots organizing. But this organization, as important as it is, lacks a political understanding and maybe ambition. Ambition being that, OK, we have to think, “What are the root causes of this problem?” That thinking is not taking place. Unfortunately, almost the entire academic sphere is filled with noncritical, capitalist, financialized “knowledge,” in inverted commas, because this is not knowledge. It is ideology.

This [lack of discussion] is the result of basically draining the country of a critical approach: It can be journalistic, it can be academic, it can be public popular thinking. This has been deliberate.

D.B.: In terms of the lack of discussion in Armenia of these important domestic issues, is that a result of direct or indirect repression, or are people self-censoring themselves?

A.S.: This is a difficult question. How to explain? The broadcast media, for example, are entirely controlled by the ruling elite or the ruling government or the party.

D.B.: So there are no independent radio or TV stations.

A.S.: There are local TV stations that could be considered independent. I can confidently say there is no independent TV broadcasting channel that is aired throughout the entire country. There are some comparatively independent local ones, as in Gyumri, for example. There are different owners and different entities that operate TV stations. But the system is such that one company is an intermediary between the businesses that pay for advertising and the stations. This intermediary company is owned by the current president’s son-in-law. I normally call the president the “person who holds the president’s seat,” sometimes I call him “the person who has seized the president’s seat.” I don’t recognize him as a president. So this person’s son-in-law is taking hold of these intermediary companies. So any TV that is doing “the wrong thing,” let’s say being critical, will never get funding—will never get ads—because the intermediary will hold it back.

This is a very sophisticated system, when you want to understand how the media is controlled. It’s not in a blatant, dictatorship-way blocked, with the police going in and shutting down the TV stations. No. It’s done in a systemic manner.

But there are other outlets, mostly on the Internet, that can be, comparatively, considered independent. But, again, those outlets actually are more like NGOs. Their organizational status is either an NGO or some foundation. Their sources of funding are mostly intergovernmental grants. This is another issue. I’ve seen myself the sort of soft censorship, or maybe self-censorship, when it comes to criticizing a foreign government, because you actually depend on a grant from that government. It may or may not happen. It depends on the [grantor] country.

But this is a problem, especially with civil society in Armenia, and maybe all over the world. When civil society depends on governmental organizations’ grants, be they different development agencies or other types of organizations that are funded by the government of different states, we have a huge problem with the sincere and actual independence of the civil society institutions. Armenia is one of them. And I criticize very much what is happening in the civil-society sector for this very reason: Their agenda is very much donor-driven, not grassroots.

The problems are visible, of course. Civil society organizations work on corruption, but the way that they formulate their actions—it looks like they are just another arm of the donors working with the government. So the donor will say, “Government, here is what you should do to reform your system. And, in addition, I will also give some money to civil society organizations to make sure there is monitoring of your reforms.” This is not an independent situation.

D.B.: What about social media such as Facebook? Is that used by activists to challenge hegemonic thinking?

A.S.: Facebook became very popular eight or nine years ago. This was a period when it was expanding all over the world and becoming a useful tool. It was successfully used by some grassroots campaigns. Facebook, as much as it is social media and gives the impression that this is where you can express your opinions freely, is controlled by a corporation that is making a ton of money. So the system and the internal logic of Facebook has changed.

We as activists are now facing that situation. When we didn’t have access to public outreach and access to people, it was OK at some point. But now you have to actually pay to be able to reach a larger population with Facebook. If you, for example, have a campaign page, it will not get the views that it used to get maybe five or six years ago. You probably have to pay for an ad to have your post reach people who are registered on Facebook. Locally, from a government perspective, Facebook is not blocked. It’s operating freely at the moment. The internal setup of Facebook hinders it from being this large mobilizing tool, just because it’s shifted into a very profit-making logic—the algorithm it’s operating on.

In the run-up to the Armenian 2012 Parliamentary Elections, an activist carries a Facebook banner alongside Armenian national flags at a rally of the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) party in Yerevan. (Photo: Photolure)

But I have to tell you, we haven’t witnessed a situation when the regime would be so threatened as to start blocking Facebook. Because we have had an experience of having a complete moratorium on both social media and generally media. That was in 2008, when a state of emergency was announced. This was the year of the presidential elections, and the opposition was not recognizing the results. The oppositional rallies—basically, it was a sit-in for almost one month in the central part of Yerevan—were put down violently by the state. This was the situation when that government announced a moratorium and everything was blocked. What I want to say is, When the regime feels like it’s threatened, anything can be blocked in this country, including Facebook.

D.B.: To get back to environmental issues, what about sustainable energy? Is there any movement in that direction? This is a country with solar energy and wind energy potential.

A.S.: On the grass-roots level, yes. On a governmental level, maybe some people have some awareness who are not completely servants of their masters. (And I will come back to who the masters might be.) They have this consciousness and concern and the opportunity. Even in the scientific fields, there are people who have been speaking out and who have been experimenting with alternative energy.

But we have to realize who we are. As a country, as a state, [Armenia] is largely colonized by Russia. Russia’s number-one strategic security threat is renewable energy. Because Russia exists on selling its fossil fuels, and anything that is renewable is a threat. Armenia depends on Russia for gas. This is another story of how we sold all of Armenia’s gas infrastructure facilities and the distribution system to Gazprom, the Russian semi-state enterprise. We’re not a big market for Russia, but having Armenia in this situation of dependency keeps the strings attached to Russia.

So, when we speak about alternative energy in Armenia, importing wind turbines, for example, »is extremely expensive because there’s no preferential exceptions for these technologies. You can reduce or waive customs fees for anything else—mining equipment, Caterpillar tractors—but for things having to do with alternative energy they haven’t been possible. So [it’s done] with some, again, donor support from KFW, the German development bank, and some other European agencies, also the IFC has been sponsoring renewable energy.

D.B.: What is IFC?

A.S.: The International Financial Corporation is the World Bank’s business arm. Some moves have been made in laying the groundwork for developing renewable energy in Armenia, particularly solar. Because we had a bad experience with small hydro, which caused huge environmental problems, draining the rivers. One might think using river-water energy would be sustainable. But the technology that they used simply put the river water into generators, thus killing all the fish. Also, nearby streams were being drained. Trying to develop alternative renewable energy resources in Armenia is difficult.

This is a very sophisticated system, when you want to understand how the media is controlled. It’s not in a blatant, dictatorship-way blocked, with the police going in and shutting down the TV stations. No. It’s done in a systemic manner.

D.B.: You’re saying that the state gives preferential treatment to heavy industry, but when it comes to wind turbines and solar panels, they don’t waive the import taxes.

A.S.: Not until very recently. The government has been talking about trying to find the resources, which would be preferential loans, for developing solar and wind energy.

D.B.: You mentioned the privatization of hospitals. What about healthcare in general? Is it affordable? Do most people have access to it?

A.S.: No. The healthcare system is another sector, which has been rapidly privatized. When you look at the large hospitals that have quality services, these are private and belong to the economic, oligarchic elites. One hospital is registered in the name of the former president’s wife—a private institution that gives quality care, but is very expensive and not affordable for many people.

The system that is still state-run is underfunded. There is rampant corruption. Doctors and the entire medical staff have very low salaries. They only subsist on under-the-table payments. This is making the life of people who need care miserable. Anybody who wants treatment will have to pay something extra. This is just about the existing system—not the quality of the healthcare, which has been going down in Armenia. Some independent journalists did an investigation and collected data on the high number of deaths taking place in hospitals, especially pregnant women dying during childbirth.

Underfunding of education and the health system is a conditionality placed on Armenia’s government by the World Bank, which is done under so-called “optimization.” Which is austerity. But in Armenia they call it “optimizing” the public sector. This austerity policy has resulted in disastrous consequences for the population. A lot of people also migrate. They get what they call humanitarian or health immigration status, in Europe particularly. People just go and say, “I cannot get treatment for hepatitis C in our country.” It’s super expensive to get treatment for some forms of cancer and other diseases, so they get the status of health migrants. European states provide free health service and start curing people, whereas had they remained here in Armenia these people might have died.

D.B.: What about housing? Is it affordable?

A.S.: There is almost no public housing system. Right after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the completely public housing system was privatized. People who were occupying their flats became owners. It was an easy process. People became owners of private property. But what continued is Armenia’s loss of population. So there is little demand for housing, because by the early 1990s almost a quarter of the population left the country.

D.B.: Because of the economic conditions.

A.S.: Yes and because of the war in Karabagh, and because of injustice. A lot of times—and this is something that I think is speculation—surveys, and research use this claim that, “Oh, well, we’ve studied [the issue], and people leave for economic reasons, because they don’t have jobs here.” But I think a lot of people who have income also leave just because they can’t handle the political system, they can’t handle the injustice, they can’t handle a situation when the judiciary is not independent. Basically, it’s a police state, where the police can sue people. Law enforcement serves the banks, for example, when they have to foreclose on homes. People can’t handle these situations anymore. The injustice is so huge, they leave. Economic and environmental injustice also force people out.

There is no big demand for housing, so it’s a very decentralized market, in a way. But people cannot buy new flats and houses without having to rely on mortgage loans. And mortgage loans are extremely expensive. There is almost no public preferential loan system.

There are some other things. And this is another corruption scheme. The state will take money from international banks under the guise that it’s building public housing, like low-interest-rate loans, and will create these special programs: This housing block that is going to be built in Yerevan is for, let’s say, university professors or journalists. It’s one thing who gets listed to get this flat; there may be some corruption, or maybe it’s completely transparent… I won’t speculate on that. But they [the government] get these loans. For the people, it’s still a mortgage, so people have to actually get a mortgage from the bank to pay for this housing. Then the government licenses, commissions the construction to oligarchs, to themselves, to some oligarchic companies. So they largely benefit from construction…. But also they profit a lot from money laundering. These loans wouldn’t have been possible if the government didn’t have connections to international finance. So there is always some loan available, be it a World Bank so-called “development loan” or from other banks in the global financial market. This is so accessible to the government that they always find ways of making money.

D.B.: Is this process you’re describing a form of gentrification?

A.S.: Yes. Let me just describe one scheme. It’s heart-breaking, but this is the truth. The government has a law that it often abuses. It’s called public eminent domain. This law allows the government, against the will of people, to make a decision—to issue a decree—using eminent domain. As an owner of property, you could own land, perhaps agricultural land. (This is taking place with mining particularly but residential areas too.) It could be your own house in the central part of Yerevan. The government can take that property. Even if you’re against it, even if you’re saying, “I’m not selling this property to any construction company or mining company,” the government will make the decision for you. So they use eminent domain to simply seize property from people.

For example, in central Yerevan they’ve seized property to build new large buildings on Northern Avenue. From a safety consideration, this is very dangerous because we are sitting on a seismically active area. We remember the disastrous earthquake in 1988. But they build these huge residential and office buildings. They’re not skyscrapers—they wouldn’t be able to build those here—but very disproportional to the landscape.

Before the construction starts, the builders start selling apartments. So people go and start buying. People take loans to do that. That’s just a bit cheaper [to buy ahead of time] than if you buy when it’s finished. So what these construction companies do—and they’re completely, again, in the hands of the ruling elites… they can be parliamentarians, they can have posts in the prosecutor’s office, or various officials who own or whose family members own these construction companies—is they sell the exact same apartment to a number of people. So when the building is finished, people come to ask for their keys. And then one family says, “This is my flat,” and another says, “No, it’s mine. I paid for this exact floor, this exact flat.” Of course, this breaks their hearts. They file a futile suit in the judicial system.

What the company does now—listen to this—“OK, there was a mistake. We will compensate. We will give you another flat, which is not in that same building, nor is it even in that same district. It’s in the outskirts of the capital. We will give you the same thing.” Which means the construction company is ripping people off, taking money out of their pockets and circulating it for construction. This is a money-laundering scheme. Which means they have profited already from the money people paid for this flat, which was much more expensive than another flat in the outskirts of town. So people are left with no choice. This is just a scheme. Gentrification is taking place. The economic elite benefits. The economic elite is able to do what it’s doing because their money is deposited in Switzerland or in Cyprus offshore banks or in islands under British jurisdiction. They can do these things because they are protected politically and financially.

Some Armenians, Fed Up with Injustice, Leave the Country. Others, like Shahnazaryan, Stay and Resist… An Interview with Anna Shahnazaryan by David Barsamian Mountainous and landlocked Armenia has had a long history, but as a nation state it is relatively new. Armenia declared its independence in 1991. This wide-ranging and revealing interview with Anna Shahnazaryan, an environmental activist and a feminist based in Yerevan, covers many issues facing Armenia. Left with a legacy of 70 years of Soviet rule, Armenia has a major corruption problem. The adoption of neoliberalism by elites has produced massive inequality. Oligarchs dominate the state and the economy. Unregulated mining is causing environmental damage. Water supplies are being threatened. Quality healthcare, extremely expensive, is available for the rich. Education? More of the same. The media parrot the government line. Patriarchy and misogyny persist. Women are seen as child-producers for the defense of the nation. A decades-old conflict continues with neighboring Azerbaijan. Both that border and the one with Turkey are closed. Some Armenians, fed up with injustice, leave the country. Others, like Shahnazaryan stay and resist. Anna Shahnazaryan This interview, which was recorded in Yerevan, on June 9, first aired on Barsamian’s Alternative Radio (AR) program [...]
Some Armenians, Fed Up with Injustice, Leave the Country. Others, like Shahnazaryan, Stay and Resist… An Interview with Anna Shahnazaryan by David Barsamian Mountainous and landlocked Armenia has had a long history, but as a nation state it is relatively new. Armenia declared its independence in 1991. This wide-ranging and revealing interview with Anna Shahnazaryan, an environmental activist and a feminist based in Yerevan, covers many issues facing Armenia. Left with a legacy of 70 years of Soviet rule, Armenia has a major corruption problem. The adoption of neoliberalism by elites has produced massive inequality. Oligarchs dominate the state and the economy. Unregulated mining is causing environmental damage. Water supplies are being threatened. Quality healthcare, extremely expensive, is available for the rich. Education? More of the same. The media parrot the government line. Patriarchy and misogyny persist. Women are seen as child-producers for the defense of the nation. A decades-old conflict continues with neighboring Azerbaijan. Both that border and the one with Turkey are closed. Some Armenians, fed up with injustice, leave the country. Others, like Shahnazaryan stay and resist. Anna Shahnazaryan This interview, which was recorded in Yerevan, on June 9, first aired on Barsamian’s Alternative Radio (AR) program [...]
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